Leeds school inspired by Rob Burrow's MND fight in fundraising challenge

More than 450 pupils at a Leeds school are set to take part in a fundraising challenge to raise cash for the MND Foundation charity in honour of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.

Dozens of staff members at Allerton Bywater Primary School will be joining pupils taking part in the sponsored seven miles in seven hours walk challenge on Wednesday December 2.

Staff and Pupils at Allerton Bywater Primary School   are doing a sponsored walk for MND foundation in honour of Rob Burrow.
Headteacher Richard Cairns is pictured with pupils Eadie Shaw (left) and Lillie Robinson.
Picture by Simon Hulmeplaceholder image
Staff and Pupils at Allerton Bywater Primary School are doing a sponsored walk for MND foundation in honour of Rob Burrow. Headteacher Richard Cairns is pictured with pupils Eadie Shaw (left) and Lillie Robinson. Picture by Simon Hulme

Funds raised will be shared between the MND Foundation and a scheme to improve the school playground.

Allerton Bywater Primary School headteacher Richard Cairns, said: "Our school is full of passionate rugby fans and after watching the recent Rob Burrow's documentary it touched us as a community.

Staff and Pupils at Allerton Bywater Primary School are doing a sponsored walk for MND foundation in hounur Rob Burrow.

Picture by Simon Hulmeplaceholder image
Staff and Pupils at Allerton Bywater Primary School are doing a sponsored walk for MND foundation in hounur Rob Burrow. Picture by Simon Hulme

"We have many club colours within our school but we will come together as one rugby family to make a difference to the lives of families and individuals living and affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

"As a school, we are also looking to develop and enhance our early years outdoor space and playground so that we can provide the young children that come through our school, with the very best start to their time in education.

"All of the children and staff are on a fundraising mission and have taken on a challenge to complete seven miles across seven hours."

Mr Cairns said all pupils from nursery through to Year 6 will complete one mile each.

Every staff member will then conclude the seven hours by completing their mile at the end of the school day.

Mr Cairns added: "I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and for their kind donations."

Former Leeds Rhinos star and Ex-England international Rob Burrow, of Pontefract, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year.

His courage was highlighted in a documentary which aired on the BBC and showed how the disease has robbed him of his ability to walk and talk in less than a year.

To donate to Allerton Bywater Primary School's appeal, go to Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/abps7

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